Bulls gut out 87-84 victory

Getting unexpected major contributions from Mohammed and Cook, they hold off Pacers

March 23, 2013|By K.C. Johnson, Tribune reporte

Strong finishes to dominant regular seasons have defined the Bulls since coach Tom Thibodeau arrived. Whether Saturday night's 87-84 victory over the Pacers kick-starts another one remains to be seen.

But on a night a fresh batch of plantar fasciitis pushed Joakim Noah to the sidelines, where Derrick Rose has resided all season, the Bulls flashed some of the determination and hero-for-a-night characteristics that led them to the league's best regular-season records the last two seasons.

Getting unexpected major contributions from Nazr Mohammed and Daequan Cook, the Bulls once again avoided a Pacers season-series sweep as they have since 2001-02. And they moved into sole possession of sixth place in the Eastern Conference despite their widespread injuries.

"Short-handed, we have to play with great intensity all the time," Thibodeau said. "That's our chance. We've shown resiliency all year. Going through some adversity is good. In the end, it makes you better. I want us to be mentally tough."

Luol Deng was, posting up and attacking the rim far more aggressively than in recent games and finishing with a team-high 20 points.

So was Mohammed, who logged season-highs in points with 11 and minutes with 31 in place of Noah. And Cook started an 8-0 run with a layup just before the third-quarter buzzer as part of his nine points, five rebounds and two assists.

Paul George's 23 points led the Pacers, who played without David West and Danny Granger. George missed two tying 3-point attempts in the final four seconds after Kirk Hinrich fouled George Hill for a four-point play and then Hinrich missed a layup.

In a sign of more adversity, Cook retreated to the locker room with 3 minutes, 49 seconds left after smashing into a cameraman and cheerleaders while making a spectacular save of his own steal of a George pass.

Afterward, Cook said he suffered a deep left thigh bruise when he banged into the camera and planned treatment in hopes he will be available Sunday against the Timberwolves.

The Bulls also overcame the loss of Nate Robinson, who drew an ejection with 27.3 seconds remaining in the third quarter for a flagrant-two foul. On a fast break, Robinson horse-collared Lance Stephenson, whose head bounced off the floor as he landed.

Soon, Benny the Bull might be signed to a 10-day contract.

"This is a confidence boost because we're down so many guys," Taj Gibson said. "But we will just keep fighting with whoever we have out there."

The Bulls also received strong contributions from Carlos Boozer, who finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds, and Gibson, whose three-point play early in the fourth pushed the Bulls ahead by seven. Gibson has looked strong in both games since returning from missing 10 with a sprained MCL in his left knee.

"I'm just trying to fly around and create havoc on defense, get back to my old self," Gibson said.